Top 10 Network Security Mistakes - #1: Not Looking Beyond Layer 7

This is the final installment of our superlative Top 10 Network Security Mistakes. As might be expected, I saved the best for last. So it is basically mistake “dessert.” Enjoy.

Boss of All Mistakes

I like to believe that mistakes develop character because, well, I’ve made a lot of them, and uttering sage-y nuggets of wisdom apparently make me feel better about myself. Through this slow and awkward accumulation of wisdom, I’ve determined that there is but one network security mistake that is the boss of all the other mistakes.

A mistake so huge it makes all the other mistakes step aside in awe, aghast that such a hideous aberration could exist.

A mistake that even its own mother doesn’t love: A failure to look past Layer 7 of the OSI model.

Fig Newton’s Laws

Many people demented enough to read this article already know about the OSI model. But for those of you silently hexing the IT deities who create nonsensical collections of capital letters like OSI, the Open Standards Interconnect model is a way of separating the networking stack into smaller functional groups. It starts with the physical connection between devices and goes all the way up to the applications that ride atop the copper and fiber railways we call The Network. Think of it like “Newton’s Laws of Physics” for networking. Or maybe “Fig Newton’s Laws” for networking. Whichever one gets you more excited.

Model Glue

Security people who deserve their jobs care about all 7 layers. Security people who deserve a promotion know that these 7 layers are just the starting point. Blocking port scans, serving XSS-free web pages, delivering malware-free emails and lulzing every cat pic on the Internet are all for naught if they don’t connect with their bigger purpose: the needs of the organization.

An Indecent Proposal

To help close this gap, I present to you an imperfect proposal for new OSI layers that will never be ratified by ISO:

Layer 8: People – the users of the systems and information you protect

Layer 9: Organization – needs to make enough money to share some with you

Layer 10: Industry – a collection of similar businesses that compete for the same dollars

Layer 11: All Y’All – the world at large, the consumers of whatever widget you peddle

These additional layers need to be accounted for in any system that wants to be valuable. Yes, security is about protecting data, but ultimately, that data has no value without these higher layers to give context.

Pairs Well With…

Let’s be candid: An unpleasant texture and bitter aftertaste make mistakes a poor choice for dessert. Address this problem first to make the rest of your networking “meal” go down smoother. But always leave some room for sweet endorphin-releasing chocolate.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Well, that officially wraps up the series! If you read all 10, mail in the proof-of-purchase for a free collectable mug.